Masters Make Music at Westmont

Musicians from Santa Barbara and across the country will gather at Westmont for a Chamber Music Retreat and Master Class Friday, Oct. 19 through Monday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Cellist Nona Pyron, internationally known musician and adjunct professor at Westmont, has led the Master Class in Santa Barbara since 1999. Auditing positions are still available to the public for a small fee.

Local participants include violinist Barbara Coventry, who is well known in Santa Barbara through her many concerts in the area, and pianist Dr. Allen Bishop of Montecito, who heads the annual Beethoven Festival in December. Past attendees include Lorraine Wallace, a full-time professional from Chicago, and Joan Jeanreaud, former cellist with the Kronos Quartet.

The retreat is also open to accomplished amateur musicians. The youngest participant is Rebecca Shasberger, 14-year-old daughter of Dr. Michael Shasberger, Adams professor of music and worship. Ten Westmont students will also participate.

Pyron taught cello and chamber music in London and at Willamette University in Salem, Ore. before coming to Santa Barbara, and is known for concert performances combining rare 18th century pieces played on period instruments with a more standard repertoire on a modern cello. She co-authored the book “Cello” with William Pleeth for the Yehundi Menuhin Series, and is founder and editor-in-chief of Grancino Editions, publisher of more than 100 unknown or forgotten compositions from the 18th century.

For more information contact coordinator Zandra Hanson at (626) 585-1925 or zandrahanson@gmail.com.